The impact of domestic violence as experienced by women in the greater Accra region of Ghana

Abstract

This is a study into the impact of domestic violence as experienced by women in the Grater Accra region. The main purpose of this study was to assess the emotional, health and economic impact of domestic violence on women. This study used the feminist and victim logical theories to explain gender inequity and patriarchy which enable gender violations to thrive. Descriptive survey design was used to guide the study. Data were gathered using questionnaire. Purposive sampling procedure was employed to identify 11 women’s groups for the study with a sample of 110 respondents. Descriptive statistics and the Independent t test were used in analysing the data. The, main finding of the study was that domestic violence negatively impact on women’s emotional, health and economic well-being and that women with higher level of education were less likely to experience or report domestic violence. The study recommended that programmes on domestic violence should be tailored to meet the needs of all women irrespective of their educational levels. In addition, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection should work with all District Assemblies to create safe shelters for women across the country.